_A report by Congo in Conversation explains how the production of the charcoal, or "makala", in Congo's North Kivu Province, contributes to an illegal trade. This trade has a significant environmental impact on Virunga National Park. The national park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, suffers from deforestation as a consequence of these activities, since over half the charcoal consumed in nearby Goma is illegally sourced from the park. In addition, the charcoal trade supports criminal networks and contributes to ongoing violence, including clashes between park rangers and armed groups, leading to numerous fatalities. Generating around $35 million annually, the charcoal trade is controlled by armed groups like the Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR), which only exacerbates environmental destruction and local conflicts. The FDLR exploits natural resources, including charcoal, to fund its activities, imposing taxes on loggers and charcoal burners. Despite government acknowledgment of the issue, little action has been taken due to corruption and complicity among officials.